Building the ultimate NHL playoff team from 2018 contenders

First Pair

P.K. Subban

P.K. Subban is electric. He’s one of those players who, even on your rival team, you can’t help but love what he brings to the game. There’s a swagger there that just can’t be replicated, and he’s been an absolute force since making his way to Smashville.

Subban was also on pace to one-up his performance on the way to the Cup Final last season, posting nine points in 13 games against Colorado and Winnipeg. He’s an easy selection for the postseason team.

Zdeno Chara

At 41, Bruins D-man Zdeno Chara is still intimidating. His presence is immediately felt on the ice, and it’s an easy postseason team selection. I want that slapshot, even now.

Put a versatile leader like Subban on the ice with Chara, and that’s something even the Capitals might not want to face. Two terrific slapshots — how do you stop that?

Second Pair

Victor Hedman

Hedman has progressively become one of the best defenders in the National Hockey League. This season was no different as he posted a career high plus-32 and finished with 63 points.

Another presence guy, you know where Hedman is on the ice. He’s six-foot-six, after all. We’re building a big, bold defense on this roster.

Dustin Byfuglien

Buff! Former Blackhawk and current Winnipeg Jets enforcer Dustin Byfuglien is a must-have on any defense. The 33-year-old was phenomenal in the postseason after putting up another great campaign during the regular season. With sixteen points in 17 games, Byfuglien also took it upon himself to calm multiple situations.

He’s a pivotal part of the Jets defense and is also up for GIF of the year, so Buff is no slouch.

Third Pair

John Carlson

John Carlson came up huge in both the Eastern Conference Final and Stanley Cup Final this postseason. He posted 20 points, fifth highest for the Capitals including a goal or assist in the last three games of the Cup Final.

Carlson elevated his game in 2017-18, posting a career high in points, goals and assists. His influence can’t be understated; he was a big momentum swing for the Capitals as road dogs this postseason.

I mean, just look at the pass from T.J. Oshie that Carlson scored off in Game 1.

Brent Burns

Last, but certainly not least, is another top-shelf entertainer in Brent Burns. With 60-plus points in each of the last four seasons, Burns takes the Sharks defense to the level it’s currently at.

He’s also great at chiming on other sports.

Burns is one of the most fun personalities in the league and never takes himself or his craft too seriously, but produces like a Norris finalist year in year out. That’s hard to beat.

Oh, and he’s not afraid to challenge Connor McDavid, either:

https://twitter.com/Ginohard_/status/905883841004318720